Sunday, August 12, 2007

Our wedding anniversary...

is today...12 years on the 12th! {Warning...lots of run-on sentences may dot this blogpost.} =)I am so happy. And maybe even a twinge bit proud. Truthfully, because there have been a lot of times {I especially!} have been ready to call it quits and walk away and just 'split our problems in half'. But I can see now, how Chip and I are stronger and better and that we have learned and grown in so many ways that it is almost foolish to me now, looking and reflecting back, to think I would have missed out on the goodness and happiness and love we share now. That whole 'for better, for worse' part in the vows wasn't the part I was thinking in truth about on our wedding day in 1995. I was so focused on the love you forever part and get to spend a lifetime together...all the flowers and smiles and laughter and fun and family and especially that Coconut-frosted Carrot Cake on our wedding day...not to mention my handsome hubby and my beautiful handmade gown, sort of blurred the real picture of our future. Today, as we celebrate and mark 12 years together, I thank God for our blurred vision.Because it has allowed or love for one another to blossom into something I never could have dreamed. Not without struggles and hurts at time, but amazing and strong nonethless. I just wanted to share this with you...and encourage you in your own relationships too. Life is short, love is so important...to be shared with everyone around you...everyday. Even when it's tough. Especially when it's tough.But I can truly say there is much beauty in the blessing!I love you, Chip.On the good days; on the bad days; and all the very ordinary ones strung in between. I thank God for holding us together for 12 years now. I can't imagine my life had you not been in it all these years. I am blessed to have you at my side, walking this journey with me and our family. I would never have expected that as I stood outside in your parents' backyard, surrounded by beauty and family and friends, that we would have this much blessing in our lives. I couldn't have imagined that the love I felt for you, as my dad pronounced us married, would grow in height and depth and breadth. It isn't perfect...but it is still beyond words at times.I love you more now, than I ever have before. And I fully expect for that love to only continue to increase with each passing day. Happy Annivesary, my love.We are one lucky couple. {Note: I took soooooooo many photos at Chip's brother's wedding yesterday. Wyndham was stunning. As were the others in the wedding party. =) You know I will be sharing lots of close-ups soon!}

20 comments:

Chip and Jody~Congrats! 12 YEARS!!! WOW!!! Anymore when people ask how long I have been married they always comment on how that is such an achievement.( staying married isnt an achievment!) Divorce is SO common anymore. I for one do NOT want to be another statistic. Marriage is such a growing experience. What a way to find love and grow with somone! My wish for the two of you...I hope that you enjoyed you day, had lots of fun and continue to love and grow together! Sneak off alone, take a walk and share some time along memory lane! Oh, You AND CHIP look Awesome! LOVE THE RED VEST! SHARP!!! Love ya!... XOXO! Christal~

I could speak as a statistic of Divorce as it very nearly happened to me in our early years of marriage. I'd have had the Biblical reason to leave as well...but chose to stick it out and prayerfully hope for the best. All these 40+ years later I have to stand up and say it definately is and was, worth it. Is our marriage perfect now..."NO!" But there is a sweetness of being able to look at my husband and have all that history between us. To have thrown in the towel would have "seemed" easy...when in truth I believe it would have been the "hardest" road to travel. It would have impacted our children's lives (along with their children's) and on and on throughout the ages. Divorce is a "promise" from "the enemy" as Marriage in it's form was created by our Creator and "the enemy" is the author of destruction!

Congratulations Jody on your 12 years...and resolve as well! Blessings for many, many more together!

Congrats dear Jody! I hope you and your sweet hubby had a wonderful time together. I know you were looking forward to this special day together. Isn't it a miracle what life can bring, even when the going get's tough? Makes us cherish each other all the more. Love the photo's...you two look great!

Congratulations - that is so awesome!!! Our anniversary is coming up on August 21. Your dress is beautiful:):) It's getting through the not so good times that make our relationships stronger and make the good times all the much sweeter. I'm glad I met you through SIStv (and through my buddy Kerry Lynn). Here's to many more wonderful years together:)

Hi Jody,Congratulations on your anniversary. I was sitting here reading this and I realized that you guys share your date with Mom. I was wondering if you have any pictures of her and Dad at your wedding. It struck me as I was looking at your pictures that she was there with you and now she is my angel in heaven. If you could email me any, you know I would apprecaite it. I know that you told me shortly after she passed away that two of the most sincerest hugs that tday came from her and Dad. It is a bittersweet day for me as I mark the two years she has been gone from my life and reflect on all she has given me. Please say a special prayer for us as well.Congratulations again to you two!Jennifer

Jody as I ready your post it reminded me so much of my own marriage. We just celebrated 18 last month, but those first 8 or 9 years were so rocky and I wanted to just throw in the towel. I am glad that I was stubborn enough to stick it out because oh wow the last 4 to 5 years have made every minute worth while. I also didn't have a clue marriage would be like this on my wedding day!!! So worth it. Happy Anniversary!!

Congratulations and Happy Anniversay. Your tribute to your husband and marriage was beautiful. My husband and I have been married 11 years this August and in my blog on that day, I indicated that no one ever really prepared us for the work that goes into a marriage. It is not a walk in the park on a daily basis. But through it all, it has made us what we are today and our children can benefit from our diligent hard work. Safe travels as you head home to Michigan.

Happy anniversary, dear... 12 years does bring with it many different places you've been together. Splitting the troubles and taking half makes the half more like a whole. Good for you for keeping it together. Some days it's so easy, and some days it's the hardest thing you do.

Dear Jody,I am a copywriter, male 39, married, with one son just nearly 2 years. I was browsing the net with the keyword ‘anniversary’ – looking for ideas for a writing assignment.

Finding your blog was pleasant. It is always nice to meet happy people – it makes you feel good yourself, I guess.  best wishes to you and kids.

Where I live (in a city called Kochi in Kerala State, India), divorce is an option in the most unbearable of circumstances only. However, sadly, divorces are happening at an increasing regularity here too! Even though it is frowned upon, culturally. The prevalent perception is that it is a phenomena caused by modern lifestyle. Marriage is sometimes very taxing, I guess. I wonder if my wife of 11 years ever thought she had enough of me. Must have, sometimes! Maybe I should ask her :P. = best wishes, Ajit Menon

ABOUT THIS BLOG-
You have stumbled upon a link to the daily musings of my crazy life. I say crazy because things happen to me that probably don't happen to you that often- or even ever. I will write candidly about these events in hopes to learn from them, teach you about them, or just to document that they actually happened. It could be anything...but I promise to keep it real!

About Me

Hi. I am a wife and mother of 7- six of them are at home and underfoot, one is in Heaven and they have all captured my heart! I am 42, but feel like I have lived through more than some people do in a lifetime. I have definitely had some rough spots...but have challenged myself to not let those events consume or define me. I try to look at life in a positive light...and most often that means I look to God for the strength to do so. He is the source of my joy and happiness in life- even in the midst of chaos at times. Ultimately I hope to live a life that inspires or challenges other people to be their best. Kind of like a "white Oprah." I mean that with deep respect.